05-08-24 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
May 8, 2024
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Kaisa Buckholz, Billy Cripe, Paget Pengelly, Sidney Lindmark,
John Stutzman, Ryan Farnan
Members Absent: Leslie Elhadi
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: Linda Paulson, Resident
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m.
Minutes
Commissioner Stutzman moved to approve the meeting minutes dated April 10, 2024 with no
changes; Commissioner Buckholz seconded. The minutes were approved with a 7-0 vote.
Visitor Presentations
Resident Linda Paulsen shared her interest in finding places in Chanhassen that accept wine
corks for recycling. Commissioner Buckholz will look into options. Ms. Paulsen also shared the
helpful advice she received from Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, that
recyclables shouldn’t be taped together to ensure that the recycling facilities can sort them
properly.
Arbor Day Recap
Commissioners, residents, and staff turned out on May 4 to Meadow Green Park to plant 24
trees. The conditions were very soggy after so much rain, but there was a good turnout. Manuel
Jordan, the Arborist, presented how to best plant a tree, which the commissioners found helpful.
Commissioners discussed using the games that weren’t needed at the July 3 expo. The bare root
trees are much more affordable; this allowed the city to plant more trees for less money than last
year. The Lions donated trees as well.
Communications Calendar
The Commissioners updated the social media calendar to schedule posts about Emerald Ash
Borer (EAB), lake quality, and invasive plant species.
July 3 Trade Fair Planning
The business expo table at Chanhassen 4th of July Celebration is reserved on July 3 from 4:00 to
6:00 p.m. The Commissioners organized a set-up/ early shift from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and a
second half plus tear-down from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. They will utilize games and a Master
Gardener. Ms. Marsh is looking into a rain barrel for a possible giveaway. They will have a QR
code to sign up for Chan-happenings.
Environmental Academy
The Commissioners discussed possible topics, dates and locations for this year’s Environmental
Academy events to continue with the theme of invasive species.
Tentatively, the plan is to schedule August 22 to teach about the green features that will be
implemented at the new Civic Campus. On September 26, participants will learn to identify
invasive species at a city park, utilizing a picnic shelter as a meeting place and going to look at
invasive species on site. The last session will be at the Environmental Center on October 24. The
plan is to leave aquatic invasive species as a backup plan.
Update 2024 Summer Work Plan
Ms. Marsh reviewed the current work plan, and the Commission added additional items to the
upcoming June and July meetings.
New Commission T-Shirts
The Commissioners discussed t-shirts versus work shirts. They have a lot of public-facing
events, so some type of shirt is helpful to identify themselves. They are looking into options and
will revisit in June.
Commission Presentations
Chair Grefe shared some updates from the April 22 Solid Waste Management Stakeholder
meeting. The group’s goal, with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is to reduce what goes
in the landfill and find ways to facilitate that goal.
Commissioner Cripe discussed the Green Steps initiative to support shopping locally. Mr. Cripe
met with Buy Chanhassen to discuss options. He’d like to highlight why and how construction
sites use silt fencing to protect the environment. Utilizing fencing at the Civic Campus
construction site to host physical signs that have links to educational videos and promote local
businesses could be an opportunity to meet another Green Steps initiative.
Upcoming Items and Events
Ruth Slivken from the Commission on Aging is coordinating the planting of a pollinator garden
on May 18 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lake Place Apartments. Any commissioners wishing to volunteer
at this event can let Jamie know.
Adjournment
Commissioner Cripe moved to adjourn the meeting; Commission Paget seconded a motion to
adjourn. The vote was 7-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist